For many people, especially seniors, the ability to drive enhances their sense of independence and benefits their mobility. Having a driver’s license can help older adults continue to connect with their loved ones and remain active in their communities. Unfortunately, aging can increase potential risks while driving due to possible declining health conditions. Seniors who continue to drive should be aware of potential risks.
It’s essential for those who may experience reduced vision, trouble hearing, and stiff joints and muscles to consider the increased risks of driving. Being aware of potential limitations and maintaining physical health are crucial to sustaining the ability to drive.
To help improve driver safety, we’ve gathered a list of safe driving tips. We hope you join us each Wednesday during the month of February and learn – or get a refresher on – these important driver safety tips.
Maintain Your Health
Though this may seem unrelated to driving, staying healthy and physically active increases your safety when driving. Having quick reflexes and adequate strength to maintain the steering wheel during difficult conditions are significant assets to driving safely.
Also, being able to see and hear well is incredibly important for driving. Having an annual eye exam and maintaining an accurate prescription are valuable assets to increase your safety when driving. Regularly testing your hearing is important and beneficial as well.
Manage chronic conditions, especially those that could directly impact driving ability. Be aware of any potential side effects from treatments and medications. Symptoms such as slowed response time, dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision can be dangerous and seriously impair a driver’s abilities.
Make Adjustments For Your Needs
Being aware of physical limitations is crucial in identifying ways to increase your safety behind the wheel. There’s likely a way to adjust your vehicle or driving area to meet your physical needs. It’s also possible to change your vehicle model to one that helps manage your limitations. Look for a car that is well equipped for you to change lanes safely, comfortable to maneuver in and clearly view your blind spots, and in general helps you to avoid potential accidents.
Another option that may be beneficial is taking a driving course as a refresher. Many organizations offer driving courses, or mature driver improvement programs, that are tailored specifically to seniors.
If you suspect that you, or a loved one, are no longer able to safely drive, it may be time to consider alternative methods for regularly getting around. Public transportation, carpooling with friends and family, and local senior transportation services are all great alternatives.
Today’s Safe Driving Tips For Seniors blog is Part 2 of a four-part series. For more Safe Driving Tips, see Part 1, Part 3, and Part 4.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: Car Care Hunt, Caring.com, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, State of Alaska DMV
Image Source: Adobe Stock
